This Phone is Bad... Which Makes it Better?

This is the paradox of the Boox Palma

~

[RodolfoStanic]

If it doesn't have a SIM card slot, it shouldn't be called a phone, but rather a phone-sized tablet.

[cassie]

A sim card would be a game changer. Like if I can make calls and send texts I'm sold on it. I don't want all the other distractions just the ability to call in case of emergencies.

[jiasd]

Think we need to go back to "what is a phone" because this is not one. The first and only necessary requirement of a phone is that it needs to be able to make calls.

[GiuseppeTripodi]

I reviewed and have one. I agree with you (and I don't use it daily either), but IMHO you're missing one point: how useful it is to have an ebook reader that small.

In the summer, when you're not wearing big jackets or anything big enough to keep a Kindle in, an ereader that comfortably feets in any pocket is a blessing, if you're into reading outside, on the bus, etc.

[sandwiched]

Calling this a phone is a complete mis-representation of what it's meant to be, which is an e-ink e-reader that has Google Play Store access, and is in the form factor of a typical smartphone. It's not meant to replace ANYthing except another e-reader like a Kindle, Nook, etc.

[vidIQ]

Isn't this more a mini-tablet than a 'phone' since it has no cellular functionality?

[mikeperezdigital]

I think this is new category of low dopamine devices is great. It's really hard to go from your phone to reading a book by light in the bed. You still want a little something extra (podcasts, audible books, etc.) without getting sucked into social media or having to yell at your smart speaker.

[ryancherry]

I will wait for the SIM version (which I hope is inevitable). It has all of the features of a smartphone I want, but without the addictive display.

With a SIM card tray, I could use it for navigation, to call ride shares, multi-factor authentication, texting, e-reading, music/podcasts, Slack for work, etc... but without the allure of Instagram, tiktok, youtube, etc...

[Notsram]

The title of this video: "This phone is bad."

Maybe I'm wrong, but it's not a phone?

[Drunut]

This was never marketed as a phone. It has neither a SIM card nor e-SIM capability. It's an e-reader with a phone form factor and Google Play Store so that you can install your preferred e-reader app(s) instead of being forced to use some proprietary reader. It also has some nice QoL features built into software that helps with Android app usage (per-app screen refresh rates and scrolling with the volume buttons/dot, especially).

I really like the device for reading on the go. It's not bulky like a kindle and fits easily into my pocket while still being a readable size. Reaching for it at bedtime is still dangerous since I can find myself reading until 3am, but it's better than reaching for my phone and doomscrolling or messaging people. MKBHD did eventually land on its intended use at 7:26 as a secondary device for reading.

[vishwa]

0:10 the channel has been cooking with the intros🔥🔥 the editors definitely deserve a raise😊🔥

[jonalee]

I like how it's trying to balance the two extremities between a distracting, but overpowered smartphone, and a focused, but simple Ebook Reader. I think this will eventually catch on, they just have to figure out the sweet spot in the middle that a majority people would like from both a smartphone and Ebook Reader.

[MementoVivere.]

I have a Kobo ereader and am in that tech space - I have NEVER heard of the Boox Palma being referred to as a phone. It is revered by many in the ereader space but anyone judging this to the standard of a phone is outlandish. It's like saying a sink is a bad dishwasher - like there are different functions.

[koms]

This is an e-reader for those who like to read books. The idea of it is basically to be able to read books from different sellers easily. Use whatever an reader app you want. It is not meant as a low distraction device. Just an e-reader with Android flexibility. The size of this one is for convenience. I have another 8" e-reader from the same company.

[The_Capalbo]

“Zero distraction music player” ….god I’m old because I instantly said “so a mp3 player” 4:40

[vulpo]

A big advantage of the E-Ink display is that it is clearly readable in bright sunlight. This (along with long battery life) would be especially advantageous for outdoor activity such as navigating (while hiking or biking) via GPS. Unfortunately the Boox Palma doesn't have GPS. However, the Hisense A9 Pro does.

[NewSchattenRayquaza]

I'd love this thing but no SIM card tray kills it. Its a Phone without the Phone

[dannymartial]

Something about the all-white display with no black borders makes it look super futuristic. I wish OLED displays where that seamless looking.

[ObieCuevas]

I’m usually agreeing with Marques but I feel like he missed it on this one. It’s just a “phone-like” e-paper device that boox avoids calling it a dedicated e-reader because it can do a lot, except make cellular phone calls.

[sham]

That intro was absolutely awesome. Kudos to your animation and design team!